The Golden Compass
First of a three part fantasy/sci-fi series. Some people hate it because of it's anti God message but it's a great read. I found it hard to put down. There's even a Snopes article about the film adaptation.

I couldn't have a job because …

I couldn’t have a job because that would stop my grant.So in one breath, a recent college graduate took up position in the dole queue, right behind another family member who confidently led the way to another generation of State support.There are pros and cons to a welfare state. I’m in favour of it, as are practically all European countries. A lot of the time it doesn’t work properly though. PRSI and dentists, going back to college, child care, disabled help/care.. These are just some of the issues I’ve come across in the last 2 months, in my own life and in the media.